locked ankles

[rpidrummer]

I know that some drummers play bass drum with locked ankles/full leg motion, especially metal drummers. For a few months I have been trying to make the transition from playing with a combination of leg and ankle to full leg, since I believe it gives more power, but my feet somehow cant get used to the motion. So my question is does anybode here on the forum play with locked ankles? If so, is your foot parallel to the floor or angled upwards? How can I get it ingrained into my playing? Do you think that it could be because of balance, that I fall forwards and lean on my legs and it causes the ankle motion? Thanx

[joeysnare]

if i remember correctly i belive derrek roddy uses that tech but he calls it "running on the pedals". feel free to correct me anyone.

[thelimpingtoad]

I think i play similar to this... my ankle isn't completely locked on my right foot but i do play heel up and use way more leg than ankle. Basically its just the ball of my foot that makes contact with the pedal usually and the ankle barely rotates. I don't play double bass so i use this type of technique to get fast 16's, roughs, and various types of double strokes out of my right foot.
I always played heel-up and developed that technique because I feel like it does give ME more power and control.... however i also developed it from playing in a zeppelin cover band and john bonham did the same stuff with more power heel-down so I don't know if anyone can really say that heel-up really gives more power or speed.

Did you play heel-down pedals before this or heel-up? I think a transition to this style would be easier if you were used to playing heel-up.

[bigpapabds]

I play like this as well. It was something that always felt more comfortable than using the ankle. I think another tip that will help you along the way is to position yourself so that your thighs aren't parallel to your hips. I play with my legs at almost a 45 degree angle. I think this helps because you're not lifting your leg as high and gives you the chance to "skip" your foot down the petal for doubles.

I hope that made sense and helps.